Grab this MTG Collection on eBay for Only $2.2 Million

“This isn’t a prank,” kicks off the description of an intriguing eBay listing. Bright and early on New Year’s Day, a user known as thelotusvale put up what might just be one of the most jaw-dropping Magic: The Gathering collections ever seen on the auction platform. “What I’m offering is a set of first edition APs,” they explain in the listing. “Some label them as Beta APs. This collection is the result of about two decades of persistence. Fortunately, I began collecting before they transformed into such rare gems.”

According to a Wargamer report, this collection boasts 302 “Alpha” cards, which are essentially early art proofs from the very beginnings of MTG, lacking any back imagery. Originally, a limited number of these were handed out to illustrators by Wizards of the Coast for signing and resale. They’re not meant for gameplay, instead serving as prized collector’s items. Impressively, each of these 302 cards features a signature, with most of them showcasing the more desirable glossy back. However, 22 of them sport a matte back, which, as the seller suggests, “should be viewed as placeholders until a glossy back AP, if such a thing still exists, is found.”

“Moreover, all cards contain recreation art by the original artist, with just 11 exceptions,” where there’s a second, unsigned version with artistic recreations by other artists. “I specifically handpicked those artists because they’re among the pioneering contributors to MTG, they personally knew [the card’s original designer], and they weren’t part of this first edition set. As part of this undertaking, I requested them to hide a ‘Q’ somewhere within the artwork, which they did. Some concealments turned out a tad too well. One actually needs a black light to be revealed.”

In a succinct FAQ section at the bottom of the listing, the seller mentions a firm stance against separating the set, with the sole exception being the sought-after and somewhat controversial Black Lotus card. They’re willing to travel anywhere within the United States to finalize this multimillion-dollar deal, and they’re open to trades for collector’s edition sets.

Reflecting on the experience of assembling the collection, the seller shares it was both “incredibly costly” and a remarkable adventure. “Throughout this journey, I’ve met collectors from all corners of the globe and collaborated with an astonishing array of artists. The relationships I’ve forged with both these groups are things I’ll always be thankful for.”

If you’ve got $2.2 million at your disposal, this treasure trove could be yours right now. Otherwise, join in on the excitement, watching closely to see where this legendary collection finds its next home.